Atty. William Bernstein
William Bernstein has practiced law for more than three decades. Who’s Who Legal called him, “a leader in the plaintiffs’ bar in the fields of complex civil litigation, antitrust , and consumer protection law.” Notable cases Bill has litigated include price-fixing suits against pharmaceutical companies on behalf of retail pharmacies, consumer claims against the world’s largest vitamin manufacturers for crafting a global “vitamins cartel,” charges against natural gas and energy companies for manipulating the price of natural gas and electricity in California during the California energy crisis
Consumer Protection Law & More Attorney · Serving San Francisco, CA · 51+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About William Bernstein at a Glance
William Bernstein is a litigation and consumer attorney based in San Francisco, California, practicing at Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP. They have 51+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1975. Admitted to practice in California, The State Bar of California (1975) and New York, New York State Bar Association (1985). Educated at University of San Francisco (J.D., 1975) and University of Pennsylvania (B.A., 1972). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Consumer Protection Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Antitrust (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serves clients in San Francisco, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About William Bernstein
- William Bernstein has practiced law for more than three decades
- Who’s Who Legal called him, “a leader in the plaintiffs’ bar in the fields of complex civil litigation, antitrust, and consumer protection law.” Notable cases Bill has litigated include price-fixing suits against pharmaceutical companies on behalf of retail pharmacies, consumer claims against the world’s largest vitamin manufacturers for crafting a global “vitamins cartel,” charges against natural gas and energy companies for manipulating the price of natural gas and electricity in California during the California energy crisis of 2000-2001, and qui tam claims against the Sutter hospital system for anesthesia service overcharges
- These cases, in total, resulted in over $1.3 billion in settlements for consumers and businesses
- Bill also oversaw negotiations in the landmark settlement and injunction against De Beers for monopolizing the trade of rough diamonds in the U.S. for nearly 60 years
- As featured in the 2008 Plaintiffs Hot List, The National Law Journal wrote, The plaintiffs’ firms’ pluck, and some luck, resulted in a $295 million settlement for De Beers’ customers [and] secured De Beers’ pledge to abide by federal and state antitrust laws and accept court oversight to ensure compliance
- Bill taught settlement law as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco
- Bill has been repeatedly recognized as a “Super Lawyer for Northern California” by Super Lawyers magazine
Practice Areas Explained
William Bernstein's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases William Bernstein handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in San Francisco.
Civil Litigation in San Francisco
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
William Bernstein is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in California →
Consumer Protection in San Francisco
Consumer protection attorneys for fraud, lemon law, debt harassment, and deceptive trade practices.
William Bernstein is one of 50,226 consumer attorneys indexed nationally. Browse consumer attorneys in California →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in San Francisco
Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in San Francisco are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
San Francisco Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a San Francisco-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Francisco or all attorneys in California.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in San Francisco Choose William Bernstein
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish William Bernstein's practice in the field of litigation and consumer.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
William Bernstein brings 51+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in California, The State Bar of California and New York, New York State Bar Association, William Bernstein can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering litigation and consumer, William Bernstein can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in San Francisco
A San Francisco-based practice means William Bernstein attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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